I was disappointed to see that The Mercury News Editorial Board is not supporting Prop. 57. Opponents say that this proposition will release rapists and child molesters. However, the language clearly states that this legislation would only apply to nonviolent offenders.

Of equal or greater significance, this proposition also requires that minors be first tried in Juvenile Court before they can be tried as adults. The reason youth should not be tried as adults is they are not adults. It is well documented that the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that is needed for judgment, is not fully developed until well after 18 years old and potentially even up to 25 years old. “Let the punishment fit the crime” is an antiquated way of thinking that has produced tens of millions of wasted dollars and countless lives. I say let the intervention fit the offender.

Pattie CorteseTrustee, East Side Union High School District

Diablo Canyon plans support state’s energy vision

Your recent article about Diablo Canyon Power Plant (“PG&E plans boost in rates,” Page 12C, Oct. 27) and rates did not include important information for your readers and our customers.

PG&E has proposed a small, short-term 1.6 percent rate increase to begin the safe and responsible transition away from nuclear energy, without increasing greenhouse gases. This small increase would cover additional energy efficiency projects, local community mitigation payments, and employee retention and retraining programs.

Readers should also know that we anticipate the short-term rate increase will be offset in the long term.

Based on our analysis, the cost to re-license and operate Diablo Canyon through 2044 would have higher overall costs than replacing it with renewables and energy efficiency. In some cases it could be almost twice as much to continue to operate it.

PG&E, labor and leading environmental groups, believe the joint proposal represents the most appropriate and responsible path forward for supporting the state’s energy vision.

Tim Fitzpatrick Vice President, Corporate Relations PG&E

Ro Khanna is accessible to the public

On the one hand, Honda has been kept cloistered away for months. He refused to debate Khanna, limited his contact with the media, and most importantly has not had a real constituent town hall in years. He sometimes has single subject panel forums (plenty of hand-holders available to answer the hard questions), but no “stand up and take all questions” town halls. If you don’t have a checkbook in hand or are not attending a special interest group function, good luck.

On the other hand, Khanna has held nearly 20 town halls this year, has had extensive interviews with the media, and is open to questions from regular people (even on Facebook). He is ready, willing and able to engage with constituents. That is what we need in a congressman.

Please vote for Khanna.

Tom PykeCupertino

Don’t ignore Khanna’s lack of experience

In his latest, never-ending attempt to get challenger Ro Khanna elected to Congress (Page 1B, Nov. 1), columnist Scott Herhold lists three reasons why voters should reject the incumbent, Mike Honda. One, Khanna once wrote an opinion piece as a 14-year old. Two, Khanna is 35 years younger than Honda. Three, voters should ignore Khanna’s total lack of political experience because he’s just like Don Edwards and John F. Kennedy. Really, Scott? Please stick to covering local school boards and road diets and leave congressional commentary to the heavy hitters who actually know the terrain.

Bob KumamotoProfessor EmeritusSan Jose State University

Vote Chahal for Santa Clara City Council

Raj Chahal has a long history of serving the city of Santa Clara and deeply cares about our community. If elected to the city council, I believe that Raj will work hard with constituents by listening, recommending, empathizing and ensuring that they are truly heard. Raj’s calm, friendly presence makes everyone feel welcome.

Raj is approachable, knowledgeable, independent and collaborative. He will reach out to people. His presence will bring cultural diversity to the council. He is an honest, level-headed person who will best serve the interests of our diverse community.

I believe Raj is an excellent choice for Santa Clara City Council Seat 4.

Sabi GrewalSanta Clara

Jerry Liu will be a great Cupertino councilman

I’ve known Jerry Liu professionally as fellow board member of the Cupertino Library Foundation. He is strong advocate of the library and successful tech professional. He also spends many volunteer hours to work for the success of our children and community because of his involvement in supporting our local schools. Jerry is the only candidate to have gotten three current City Council members’ endorsements. This breadth of support demonstrates Jerry’s ability to work with differing opinions to help get things done that is best for our city. My person experience with Jerry is that he is someone who listens and does the work that is needed. He’s both a hands on contributor and is able to delegate and negotiate exceptionally well. Jerry is a natural leader and will make a great city councilman because he is open minded and thinks though issues with fairness and clarity.

Art CohenBoard Member Cupertino Library Foundation

Yes vote on Measure S moves Morgan Hill forward

Contrary to your editorial, Measure S deserves a yes vote to extend nearly 40 years of growth control in Morgan Hill (Editorial, Oct. 30). We need Measure S in place to have a smooth transition for 2018-2019 building allotments starting next year, since allotments are made 2-3 years in advance.

Measure S makes land annexation more difficult by requiring the city council to make six detailed findings (including sufficient public services and infrastructure) before being submitted to LAFCO’s scrutiny and final decision. Measure S prevents sprawl.

Measure S enables the elected city council to establish a slower rate of growth when required. Enabling your elected representatives to manage/slow growth as needed is a dramatic improvement over current/prior measures.

The Mercury News editorial was a complete surprise. No one on city staff or on the council was contacted for their reaction to what we believe are misleading statements. Vote yes on Measure S to move Morgan Hill forward.

Steve Tate Mayor, Morgan Hill

Nguyen will bring businesses back to District 8

We have an important decision to make on Nov. 8 in District 8, and I believe Jimmy Nguyen is the right choice for San Jose City Council.

As a runner-up in the June primary election, I saw firsthand the dedication and authenticity with which Jimmy ran his campaign. He worked tirelessly to earn his place on the November ballot, and I’m proud to endorse Jimmy as our next city council member.

Like myself, Jimmy is a small business owner who understands what it’ll take to bring businesses back to San Jose and District 8. He’s a lifelong resident of Evergreen and understands the problems facing our community, from the shortage of police officers to the many empty storefronts in our neighborhoods.

Please join me in voting Jimmy Nguyen for San Jose City Council, District 8 on Nov. 8.

Denise BelisleSan Jose

Friday deadline for election letters

Letters about races and ballot measures on Tuesday’s election ballot must be received no later than noon Friday for publication before the election.